Page 37 of Scottish Seducer
I shrugged. I had more money than most countries in the world. I reached for her hand, but she snatched it away before I even managed to say, “Nothing at all. It was Willow and every woman after her. I was wondering if, when we get back to London, we might start over.”
She jumped up and started to edge toward the door. “What do you mean? Am I fired?”
I followed and stood in her way, so she wouldn’t be able to escape. “Keep the job. The app is a good idea, but I’m talking about dating.”
She pivoted like she wanted to hide tears as she asked, “What do you mean?”
Her small laugh broke something inside me, and I was even more on edge as I said, “I want us to start over. Take it slow.”
She faced me, and her face was pink but free of tears as she said, “Right. Because you want to soften the blow to your ego because I’m leaving.”
She tried to step around me to get her bag next to the door and leave but I said anyhow, “Because I need to know if you’re real, so when we get back, will you…date me?”
She faced me for a second and shrugged. “We’ll see, Charlie. I’m still too upset to make any decisions.”
I stepped closer and realized her warmth sent shockwaves of awareness through me when I said, “Look, I already set up an apartment for you in your name.”
She waved the idea away. “I don’t want it.”
I reached for her face and my lips tingled with the need to kiss her even though I knew it was absolutely inappropriate. I swallowed and said, “It’s done, whether you chose to use it or not. It’s paid for a full year. I thought if we slowed down, you’d need a place to stay.”
She lifted her chin. “I amnota charity case.”
“No, you’re not.” I took her hands for a second. “Stephanie Steel, you might be the finest woman I’ve ever met, but I need to be sure.”
She squeezed my hands then let me go. “I’ll think about it, Charlie. Now I’m going to go catch the train.”
Without another word, she picked up her travel bag and slipped out of the room. My chest was hollow. This wasn’t how I intended to tell her and test her. I had a different plan. But if I didn’t let her go, I’d never know whether she just wanted my money or if she actually loved me.
